Government forms

Form SS-4: Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Application for an Employer Identification Number, the federal tax ID for businesses, trusts, estates and nonprofits. You need an EIN to hire employees, open a business bank account or file business returns.

Rev. December 2025

Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Use this template

Easy PDF filling and editing

Fill out forms in your browser without installing software
Files are processed on our own server and not shared with third parties
Instant export of the completed document in PDF format

Instructions for filling out Form SS-4: Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

This template is used for official filing and documentation. Below are detailed instructions for completing, requirement details, and submission rules.

Who needs to fill out this document?

This form is designed for use by legal entities, individuals, or authorized representatives in the following cases:

New LLCs, corporations and partnerships.
Sole proprietors hiring their first employee.
Executors of estates and trustees of trusts.

What you will need before starting

Before filling out the interactive form, prepare the following details and documents:

1. Entity informationLegal name, trade name, mailing address and county/state.

2. Responsible partyName and SSN/ITIN/EIN of the person who controls the entity.

3. Entity type and reasonLLC, corporation, sole proprietorship etc., and why you are applying.

4. Business detailsStart date, principal activity and expected number of employees.

Step-by-step filling process

Enter entity name and address: Lines 1-6 cover legal name, trade name and location.
Name the responsible party: Line 7 must be an individual, not another entity, in most cases.
Select type and reason: Choose the entity type (line 9) and reason for applying (line 10).
Submit: Apply online for an immediate EIN, or fax or mail the signed form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How fast will I get an EIN?

Online applications get an EIN immediately. Fax takes about 4 business days; mail takes about 4 weeks.

Is there a fee?

No. The IRS issues EINs for free; be cautious of sites that charge for it.

Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?

Only if it has employees, files excise taxes or elects corporate taxation, but most banks require one to open an account.

Ready to fill out Form SS-4: Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

Open the editor, enter the required details, and download your document in a couple of minutes.

Proceed to fill out →

Related templates